Trip description Along the Loire valley from Blois to Angers - sportive Cycling holidays along the Loire valley from Blois to Angers passing by Chambord, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Amboise, Chenonceau, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon, Fontevraud and Saumur Destination France Location Vallée de la Loire Duration 8 days Difficulty Level Moderate Validity From april to november Minimum age 1 year Reference L0805 Type of stay itinerant trip Itinerary Discover the secrets of the Loire Valley from Blois to Angers. On bike paths and small country roads you ride pass the most prestigious Renaissance castles of the Loire such as Chambord, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Chenonceau, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau or Ussé, the castle which inspired the fairytale Sleeping Beauty. But this part of the Loire Valley also nests the abbey of Fontevraud and beautiful medieval castles and fortresses like Langeais, Chinon or Angers, which houses the largest medieval tapestry. You will discover the changing colors of the Loire Valley and the traditional boats (toues) swinging between sandbanks. The Loire Valley is worldwide known for its vineyards of Chinon and Saumur. Day 1 Arrival in Blois Start your tour by exploring Blois, with its cobblestone streets and meandering walkways. Cross the long stone bridge in the center of town for great views. Your highlight will be visiting Blois Castle, with intricate architectural details and manicured gardens Day 2 Blois - castle of Chambord Enter chateau de Chambord’s magnificent forest and take a peek at the sculpted - Cheverny salamanders engraved on the walls of Loire’s most extravagant castle. Enjoy the shade of the hundred years old trees, then ride along the Cosson creek to the “château de Cheverny”. This should bring up some memories, if you ever read Tintin: it was the Bike 40/68km inspiration for Moulinsart castle. In Chambord forest, you can make a detour through Neuvy to discover the Sologne country land and its many ponds. 2 route options Day 3 Cheverny - Amboise Stroll inside the château de Beauregard with its gallery of 327 portraits of famous European leaders that forged history between the 14th and the 17th century. Or choose to Bike ride through vineyards before arriving in front of the drawbridge of Fougères-sur-Bièvre 50/60km stronghold. Follow the toues (traditional boats) along the Loire to Chaumont-sur-Loire. This place is famous for its fairy-tale castle but also for its International Garden Festival 2 route options which displays talented creations. Ride directly to the beautiful city of Amboise and let the medieval atmosphere of this city seduce you. Discover the architecture of the “château d’Amboise”, which is iconic of the transition period from Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Day 4 Amboise - Tours passing Begin your day with an loop to the castle of Chenonceau. Through the forest and along the castle of Chenonceau the river’s banks you reach one of the most iconic châteaux de la Loire, the “chateau de Chenonceau” overlooking the Cher river. To reach Tours old town and its half-timbered houses, you ride the Vouvray wine route. Bike 34/73km Day 5 Tours - Chinon You wind on the cycling path along the Loire to leave Tours and reach the château de Villandry with its beautiful French gardens. Enjoy the banks of the Loire Valley before Bike riding up through forests towards the château d’Azay-le-Rideau. Keep on cycling on « riding up through forests towards the château d’Azay-le-Rideau. Keep on cycling on « 66km Loire à vélo » and ride on the dike to get to the château d’Ussé which inspired the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. You enter into Chinon overlooking the old town. Enjoy the labyrinth of medieval narrow streets when you ride down the Vienne River. Day 6 Chinon - Saumur You continue to ride along the Vienne River and enjoy the view on the wild Loire banks. You arrive in the gorgeous small village of Candes-Saint-Martin built with freestone. You Bike can stop to admire the XIIth century foundation church. Keep on to Montsoreau which is 35/48km one of the “Loveliest Villages in France” built around its castle. From there, you have the option to keep on the hills to Fontevraud which is worth visiting for its magnificent abbey 2 route options which shelters the tombs of Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Otherwise ride straight to Saumur. On your yay you admire the cave house villages and stop to taste Saumur wines in the numerous wine cellars. Discover Saumur and its castle with impressive dungeons at the end of this idyllic ride. Day 7 Saumur - Angers You exit Saumur and ride along peacefully the Loire through peaceful villages with a rich heritage. Do not miss the medieval churches in the villages on your way. In Treves, you Bike can see the famous 30m high tower, the last remnant of a fortress built in the 15th 61km century! Before reaching Gennes, ride through a forest and along a pond, which offers one of the most beautiful areas of the Loire to picnic and relax. Then, you cross the Loire and the Loiret in Ponts-de-Cé and ride down the Loire to the confluence of the Maine. Finally, Angers appears with its castle, its fortress and its lively streets. Day 8 Départure from Angers You discover the living city of Angers before going back. The regional train takes you back to your starting point or you can extend your stay if you wish. Accommodation Category A You’ll enjoy staying in these clean and cozy 2-Star hotels that give you a pleasant rest after your day of biking. Breakfast is included when you spend the night in these friendly and family-run hotels. * Example of the type of accommodation Category B You’ll get a good night’s sleep when you stay in these 3-Star hotels or Bed and Breakfasts. All properties have been selected for their cleanliness, style and friendliness of the staff. A hearty breakfast is included! * Example of the type of accommodation Category C You’ll have a wider selection of accommodations when you choosing this 4-Star category. Some nights you’ll stay in small castle or quaints hotels, and other times you might be in a charming Bed and Breakfast. Enjoy the "vie de chateau" atmosphere in an exceptional environment. Properties are selected for their high standards and impeccable service. Don’t forget...breakfast is included! * Example of the type of accommodation Practical information To get to departure point: By plane: flight to Paris or Tours and then train to Blois. By train: inter-regional trains from Paris-Austerlitz station (direct or 8min connection in Orléans). The duration of the trip is from 1h20 to 2h00. Or TGV (fast trains) from Paris Montparnasse and connection in Saint-Pierre-des-Corps to take a regional train to Blois. The duration of the trip is about 2h00. To plan your trip, www.raileurope.com. Parking If you drive to Blois, you can park your car in a secured car park located in the city center, close to your accommodation and the train station. The daily rate is 5,5€ and decreases depending on the duration. The location and contact details of the car park will be given in your travel documents. To get back to starting point: Regional trains take you back to your starting point if you wish. They are accessible without booking in advance and bicycles are free. You have to buy your ticket on spot (full rate 27.20€/adult). There are several trains per day. You will find the timetable in your travel documents. We can also organise a transfer in a private vehicule on demand. Meeting time: The first day is an arrival day without cycling. You arrive whenever you want depending on from where you come. Please note that rooms are usually available in the middle of the afternoon depending on your accommodation. We thank you to advise us if you plan to arrive late. Price description Category A 799 €/pers Double room fare 7 nights in ** hotels 7 breakfasts 6-day rental of a fully-equipped bike (sadddle bags, locks, toolkit) the luggage transport from one lodging to the other a road book with maps and descriptions of the routes a visit and wine tasting in Vouvray a visit of a chocolate factory the return of the bikes local visitors' taxes sending charge of the travel documents in France 24h/24 hotline High season extra (*) 40 €/pers Half-board 27 €/dinner Extra for a single room 39€/night/pers Extra night in Blois 50 €/pers Extra night in Angers 45 €/pers Category B 919 €/pers Double room fare 7 nights in ** or *** hotels or bed & breakfasts 7 breakfasts 6-day rental of a fully-equipped bike (packs, helmets, locks…) the luggage transport from one lodging to the other a road book with maps and descriptions of the routes a visit and wine tasting in Vouvray a visit of a chocolate factory the return of the bikes local visitors' taxes sending charge of the travel documents in France 24h/24 hotline High season extra (*) 50 €/pers Half-board 29 €/dinner Extra for a single room 52 €/night/pers Extra night in Blois 55 €/pers Extra night in Angers 65 €/pers Extra night in Angers 65 €/pers Category C 1249 €/pers Double room fare 7 nights in ***/**** hotels or bed & breakfasts 7 breakfasts 6-day rental of a fully-equipped bike (packs, helmets, locks…) the luggage transport from one lodging to the other a road book with maps and descriptions of the routes a visit and wine tasting in Vouvray a visit of a chocolate factory the return of the bikes local visitors' taxes sending charge of the travel documents in France 24h/24 hotline High season extra (*) 60 €/pers Half-board 33 €/dinner Extra for a single room 83 €/night/pers Extra night in Blois 80 €/pers Extra night in Angers 75 €/pers Options Extra for the rental of an electric bike (6 days) 85 €/pers Discount if you ride your own bicycle -100 €/pers (*) High season : • from 10.04 to 13.04.2020 • from 27.04 to 02.06.2020 • from 04.07 to 30.08.2020 Children discount (in the same room as 2 full rate participants) 0-4 year : -70% 5-11 year : -50% 12-17 year : -30% The package doesn''t include: the journey to the tour location the drinks the meals which are not included the entrance fee to sites insurances (optional) For more information or booking : www.levelovoyageur.com +33 (0)1 80 91 98 18 or [email protected].